MIDDLEWICH rail plans are back on track with a pledge from council bosses to develop the business case to reopen the Sandbach to Northwich line.

Cheshire East Council wants to bring Middlewich Rail Link Campaign (MLRC), Network Rail and the Railway Consultancy to the table to press the importance of rebuilding the town’s train station.

The authority is backing the project and wants to convince Network Rail that the £2million plans are worthwhile.

It follows a meeting between MRLC members Clr Mike Parsons and Stephen Dent with Clr David Topping, cabinet member for environment and Chris Williams, transport manager.

“We are further on than we have ever been in the campaign’s history,” said Clr Parsons.

“It was a good meeting. We had some very favourable comments from them and they’re definitely in support of the project.

“What was quite conclusive was that Network Rail need to be brought around the table and the council said it will do that. We can prove the viability of the case.”

As previously reported, Network Rail’s current stance is that Middlewich’s rail link scheme lacks a sufficient business case.

This is despite a report released by the Railway Consultancy in 2009 which said that the benefits of reopening the station would outweigh the costs by five to one.

Clr Topping, said: “Any future investment at Middlewich station would only serve to improve links and connectivity for the benefit of Middlewich residents and those from further afield.

“A passenger station and accompanying services would also allow residents in Middlewich to connect to Crewe, facilitating access to the proposed phase two of the HS2 rail link.”

Cheshire East Council will not however be applying for a share of the Government’s £20million New Stations Funding.

Instead the council is looking to update and develop the 2009 business case.

“This will put the project in a stronger position to take advantage of any future funding opportunities,” added Clr Topping.

“In the meantime, we will continue to work on a proposal to present to Network Rail.”

Dave Roberts, chairman of MRLC, said: “The Cheshire East representatives showed enthusiasm for the potential for economic growth which the project would bring to the area.

“MRLC would like to place on record its thanks to Cheshire East Council for this very encouraging endorsement of the Middlewich scheme and to Mike Parsons and Stephen Dent and everyone else who has worked so hard to get us to this stage.”

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FIONA Bruce MP has praised Middlewich Rail Link Campaign and has said that perseverance will pay off in the quest to reopen the town’s station.

She thinks the project draws parallels with her appeal to improve junction 17 of the M6 after numerous accidents.

Fiona said: “I’m delighted there’s been more progress than there has been for some time. Experience has shown that perseverance pays off.

“When I first approached the Highways Agency regarding the need to improve junction 17 they told me it was not a priority.

“But I pressed Cheshire East Council to prepare plans in the event that funding became available.

“This meant that when the Government released infrastructure funds for ‘shovel ready’ schemes, we were ready.

“This surely is the way we should press forward with design plans for the Middlewich rail scheme. I will keep pressing for this at parliamentary level.”